$5,035

92

Nails in the Key of Life seeks to connect to a broad audience through the act of performing manicures. This experiential art project is more than simply Nail Art. By transforming a canned ham travel trailer into a mobile salon, I aim to create an intimate platform to exchange ideas and conversation.

The Wassaic Project:"We're incredibly proud to be exhibiting Breanne's mobile nail salon at our 2012 Summer Festival Exhibition, Return to Rattlesnake Mountain. We have been working with Breanne since the conception of this project: helping her search for the perfect canned ham trailer, attending classes as nail models, and cheering her on as she graduated from nail school. With her nail technician license, her beautiful sense of color, and her irresistible charm, there is no stopping Nails In The Key Of Life."

Mixed Greens:"We're so excited to be the first stop on Breanne's Nails Across America tour! Mixed Greens is a proud advocate of the work of Breanne Trammell, social practice, and gorgeous nails. It's thrilling to be able to celebrate all three at the same time."

THE CANNED HAM TRAILER: Pledges from this campaign will be used to purchase, repair, and make a 10-12' Shasta-style canned ham trailer ready for the road! The interior of the trailer will be customized to comfortably accommodate participants while performing nail services. All aesthetics of the trailer will remain as true to the original as possible. Any leads on a trailer, preferably on the NE coast, are much appreciated.

PERFORMING MANICURES: The act of receiving and giving a manicure is intimate by its nature. The physical contact is constant, from the filing of the nail's free edge to the hand and arm massage. The often silent disconnect between nail technician and client is the impetus for Nails in the Key of Life. The mobile salon seeks participants (YOU!) to create a shared and meaningful experience through the art of performing manicures.

I WANT TO MEET YOU! The inaugural manicure performances will be at The Wassaic Project Art & Music Festival in August 2012. Next summer, I will launch a cross-country road trip with the trailer, NAILS ACROSS AMERICA! Like a touring band, I will stop at farm stores, community centers, galleries, alternative art spaces, and more. By pledging here, you directly impact the route of NAILS ACROSS AMERICA!

A LIVING EDITION: My goal is to "edition" 500 sets of nails on the road trip! Following your manicure in the Canned Ham mobile salon, you will receive a signed and numbered (1/500, 2/500, 3/500 and so on) letterpressed certificate of authenticity, commemorating your participation in the edition. Thus, YOU become linked to the outcome of the road trip and the Nails in the Key of Lifearchive. YOU are the art, not just the paintings on your nails!

Performing a MANicure

YOU ME US WE: I aim to reach a diverse audience and break gender barriers, helping to dispel the attitude that nail treatments are enjoyable only to women. To this end, there will be a male-specific MANicure (Bro Nails!) on my menu of services which will include an extended hand and arm massage and a subtle matte top coat (pictured above).

***NEW*** $50 REWARD: Series of three silkscreen prints. Hand printed, signed, and numbered by me! These will ship out August 2012.

NAIL SCHOOL: On June 7, I graduated from a 16-week program at TW Nail Technology Career School in Fishkill, NY. Along with my Nail Specialty certificate, I also received a temporary six-month NY State Nail Technician license.

The course has been crucial in preparing me for the New York State board exams. It covered anatomy & physiology, bacteriology, sanitation & disinfection, manicures and pedicures, acrylic & gel nails, nail art, tips and wrap application. Upon passing the written and practical exams in July 2012, I will be NY state-licensed to perform the aforementioned array of nail enhancements and procedures.

I documented my experience at Nail School with Instagram! I will continue to use it during the Wassaic Festival in August 2012 and Nail Across America next summer. Add me! my handle is "breanne_". Follow along here if you don't have an iphone or android device.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $75 or more
About $75

Receive a copy of Breanne's zine "THANKS FOR THE TIP: A Guide To Professional Pedicures"––with silkscreened cover, and photographs by Jeff Barnett-Winsby.

Plus ALL of the above: Breanne will perform one standard MANICURE including hand & arm massage in the Canned Ham, in your town! And the JOY OF SCULPTING print. Lower 48 states only, unless there is a huge Alaska contingency!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $3,000 or more
About $3,000

CUSTOMER BENCH SEATING NAMED AFTER YOU! An engraved plaque with your name will hang above seating! PLUS your name painted on the trailer VIP list, both silkscreen prints, and the manicures & pedicures listed above.